Students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators - the groups of individuals that make-up the SCCO Family, remain committed to advancing and enhancing the important work of SCCO.Activities of the past several months include the graduation of 94 students in May; 19 members of the Class of 2010 being accepted into residency programs; recognition of a distinguished alumnus; participation of alumni in the interview process for applicants to the Class of 2014; and faculty, students, staff and administrators volunteering with alumni to provide vision care at a major health-care event.As an alumnus, we trust you'll be proud of the stellar activities of the SCCO Family.

Have something exciting or new happening with you or your practice? Let us know about it! We are always delighted to hear from our Alumni. Send an email with your news and digital photos to alumni@scco.edu or mail in your information to Alumni Relations, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831.

Class of 2010 Receives Doctor of Optometry Degrees

SCCO's Class of 2010

"Optometry is a wonderful profession with a cherished tradition of providing accessible primary eye and vision care. You have chosen a career that will not only restore vision, but relieve pain and suffering; not only provide clarity to sight, but quality to lives.I hope your chosen profession provides you much fulfillment.You have inherited a priceless legacy - I hope you will contribute to it," said SCCO's Commencement Speaker, John F. Amos, O.D., M.S., retired dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry.

Dr. Amos addressed SCCO's Class of 2010 on Friday, May 21, at the College's one hundred and sixth Commencement Exercise.Overall, 94 men and women received their Doctor of Optometry degrees including one third-generation and six second-generation optometrists.Also at the event an honorary degree was bestowed, an alumnus was honored, the achievements of optometrists completing residencies and a fellowship were celebrated, and special recognition was given to the returning graduates from the Class of 1960.

"It's always rewarding to welcome new colleagues into the profession and even more so when the graduating class includes third- and second-generation optometrists," remarked SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D."Sons and daughters carrying on the tradition of their parents speaks highly of the profession of optometry and its future." Read more...

Nineteen of the 94 members of SCCO's Class of 2010 have been accepted into post-doctoral residency programs.The one-year programs are located throughout the nation at VA facilities, Indian Health Service Medical Centers, SCCO's Eye Care Center, other schools and colleges of optometry, and at private optometric centers

Alumnus of the Year - Dr. Phil Smith

San Diego Optometrist Philip B. Smith, O.D., '68, is Southern California College of Optometry Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for 2010. Dr. Smith was recognized during the College's May 21 Commencement Exercise by SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.

San Diego Optometrist Philip B. Smith, O.D., '68, has been honored by SCCO's Alumni Association as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for 2010.Dr. Smith, a 1968 graduate of the College, was selected for this special recognition based on his service to his alma mater, leadership within the profession, and achievement in community service.

"Dr. Smith joins a select group of 30 graduates of the College who have received this honor in recognition of their dedication and support on behalf of their alma mater, profession and community," noted SCCO President Kevin L. Alexander, O.D., Ph.D.Dr. Smith was honored during the College's Commencement Exercise on Friday, May 21, in Fullerton, CA. Read more...

Faculty, optometric interns and staff participated in the seven-day Remote Area Medical (RAM), Los Angeles, April 27-May 3. An estimated 420 optometrists, optometric interns, ophthalmologists and optometric technicians provided eye exams to 3,331 people, most of who received prescription glasses.

"In one day alone, volunteers examined 572 eye patients," noted RAM Organizer Stan Brock. "The total patient count was 6,587, so over half of the patient population came for vision care and received it from a host of dedicated volunteer providers."